|
After a tasting with the English author and wine critic Jancis Robinson, MW and the Decanter magazine a couple of days ago, it will first be served to the Pope and the Catholic bishops of England, Scotland and Wales. One Wine One World is also the only wine to be served at the farewell dinner for Pope Benedict XVI, being organised to celebrate the first-ever visit of a pontiff to the UK.
The wines are cuvees made by blending grapes from these countries- the red is a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault from Roussillon in France, Zinfandel, Grenache and Petite Syrah from Mexico, and Cabernet Franc from America’s oldest continuously run family winery Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California. The white contains Ribolla Gialla from Slovenia, Friulano (formerly known as Tokaj Friulano) and Pinot Grigio from Italy, and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from Hungary.
Suckling has got made a total of 700 cases of these wines with the help of Mexican winemaker Hugo d'Acosta having property in Roussillon and connections with Wente. Only 500 cases of red and 200 cases of white wine have been produced, according to a report in Decanter which declares the white as ‘rather good, mineral, zesty, nice rich fruit and length. The red’s a bit rougher round the edges, but saved by its rather delicate tannins.’
The wine has been donated to Maimonides Foundation, a London-based multi-faith organisation committed to creating cordial relations between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Serving at the Papal dinner will be a symbolic gesture, a statement of harmony and unity between different religions.
James Suckling, who sent shock waves in the world of wine by leaving Wine Spectator in mid-July without assigning any reasons after 30 years of service, has also announced the launch of his new website in October, with 90% of the contents being videos with famous wine personalities throughout the wine world. |